"We have to get to the hospital," Hunter said frantically. He drove his car like a madman through the busy streets.
"I don't want to go to the hospital," Jonea replied limply in the passenger seat. "Take me home. I will treat my wound myself."
"Impossible, Jonea! Look, a lot of blood is coming out of your wound. The crippled wolf has clawed at your hand. It can get an infection if left unchecked."
"I'm fine, Hunter. If we go to the hospital, the problem will get bigger. Newshounds could cover this issue and exaggerate it. Moreover, I am only a human race."
"Then let's go to my house!" Hunter said firmly. "I have equipment for cleaning wounds and quite complete medicines."
"You think you're a doctor?" Jonea sounded defensive.
"Of course not. But I get hurt more often than you think. So, having a large stock of medicines and first aid kits has become a must for me."
Jonea was silent and leaned limply in her chair. She continued to hold her injured arm, which was still bleeding. The girl's face grew paler.
While watching the bustling streets, Jonea muttered to herself. "Am I going to turn into a wolf? This furry creature is terrifying on a full moon. Because a wolf has scratched me."
"Are you hallucinating?" quipped Hunter. "Don't fantasize about nothing. Do you think turning into a werewolf figure is easy? Don't imagine this is like the stories and fantasy films that you often watch. Not that easy."
"Is it true?" Jonea frowned slightly.
"Why do you think DNA modification operations fail more than they succeed? Because turning a human into a werewolf is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. It's more complicated than you bite your opponent, inserting DNA via saliva, and foiling it! You turned into a wolf too. Really that only happens in fairy tales. In fact, the werewolf race is passed down through heredity and marriage."
"Oh, thank God," Jonea said and sighed. She was relieved not to worry that the wound on her hand could turn her into a wolf.
"Why?" whispered Hunter to himself.
But, Jonea could hear it clearly. "Of course, because I'm human. I love myself. I don't want to turn myself into another kind of creature. Moreover, a half-human wolf."
"In your eyes, we are that low and despicable, Jonea?" There was a hurt note in Hunter's voice.
"I should ask you the same question, Hunter Abraham. What's your attitude? Your family? And also your flock all this time against us–the human race? You guys have taken over almost 2/3 of the world and made humanity almost extinct."
Hunter really didn't want to argue about it.
They ride in silence. Hunter focused on the road before him until they arrived at Abraham's super luxurious and magnificent residence. When Hunter parked the car, he realized that Jonea had fallen asleep. The young man rushed for fear that Jonea was in a critical state.
Hunter carried Jonea on his back. He rushed to the house and was greeted by two maids. They were both so surprised to see Hunter's clothes full of blood and torn in several places.
"Young Master, are you fighting again?" One of the maids looks panicked. "And who are the people you brought with you?"
"Quickly prepare the medicine, needle, and thread! I have to stitch up the wound."
Hunter ran to his room. The two maids followed behind.
"But, Young Master… Madam ordered that you should not bring women into this house."
Hunter stopped in the middle of the steps and clenched his fists tightly. He was so angry at the two maids that he looked back.
"Are your eyes blind? He's a boy, not a girl!"
Jonea's face, covered by Aland's jacket, made the two maids hesitate. Then one of them checked it. After confirming, they thought Jonea did look like a boy. They also let Hunter take the girl to his room.
"You'd better shut up about my return! If my mother finds out, you will be dead by morning. Understand?" threatened Hunter loudly.
The two female maids from the omega faction immediately nodded in understanding. They kept their mouths shut tight.
They rushed to carry out Hunter's tasks and orders without asking again. Medicines and equipment to treat injuries were available a few minutes later in Hunter's room.
Hunter laid Jonea down on his bed. He was so freaked out. Sweat dripped down his forehead.
"Hold on, Jonea. Hang on!"
The two minions came and stood not far from Hunter's bed. He was bothered by the presence of his two maids.
"Go, you guys, right now!"
"We will help you, Young Master."
"No need for me! I'm used to it. Have I ever asked for your help every time I got hurt?"
"No, Young Master!"
The two maids timidly and nervously finally backed away slowly. They left Hunter alone with Jonea, who was still sleeping.
"This might hurt a little, but hang in there. This time you really got me in trouble, Jonea."
"You deserve this trouble, Hunter," Jonea muttered, eyes still closed.
"So… you were aware and heard everything that happened?" Hunter's hand stopped as he was about to clean the wound on Jonea's arm.
"Well, I heard everything. There's a benefit to me having the appearance of a boy, right?"
Hunter was more worried about Jonea's condition. "Even though I injected anesthetic in your arm. But, you are completely unfazed?"
Jonea grinned. "I happen to be a bit resistant to the effects of anesthetics. Why do you think I managed to survive Axel's cunning plan? Even though he had put anesthetic in my drink. The dose is quite high, but even that only briefly affects me."
"I can't possibly do that." Hunter panic. "This must be really painful. But your wound needs stitches."
"Just do it, and don't talk too much," Jonea said. "I'm not as weak as you. Enduring pain is nothing strange to me."
Hunter gritted his jaw. He could imagine how painful it would be when the wounds were sewn up without anesthesia. But Hunter must do it quickly, or the damage will become infected.
Hunter started to clean the wound on Jonea's arm. The girl winced from the pain and burning in her open wound. Hunter couldn't bear to look at it, but he had no choice.
"You can hit me after you recover."
"Why should I hit you, idiot?"
"I don't know; I feel guilty for causing you pain like this." Hunter continues to engage Jonea in conversation to divert her pain. And when he realized the wound on the girl's arm was closed and covered with bandages.
"Phew, it's finally done. You can take painkillers after this."
Jonea glanced at her sewn and bandaged arm. She shrugged and said, "Well, not bad. It seems you were born to be a doctor."
"Nonsense," said Hunter, smiling with joy.
While cleaning up the blood and medical equipment traces, Hunter hesitated to ask Jonea.
"I thought you would choose to go with Aland. I didn't expect you to wait for me and come with me. Does that mean agreeing to be my girlfriend, Jonea?"
Jonea looked away from Hunter. The girl had changed clothes. She looked up at the ceiling of the Hunter's room which was decorated with crystal chandeliers. She knew her decision to leave Aland was something stupid. But Jonea had other considerations.
"Do you really want me, Hunter? What exactly do you want from me? You keep saying that you want to make me your girlfriend. Is it because you want something that belongs to someone else?"
Hunter was surprised. He didn't think Jonea would think that far ahead.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"You are an asshole!" hissed Jonea. "I do not know anything. I'm just trying to guess you. Because you are definitely the impulsive type of young man. When you want something, you have to get it."
Hunter stopped. He walked over to his bedroom window, which was filled with glass. The sky looks still gray.
"Do you want to hear a story about Aland?"
Jona rolled her eyes. Of course, she would.
'But, why suddenly?' thought Jonea.
"In elementary school, I was already friends with Edison and Elmar. But not with Aland. I just became friends with him when approaching graduation. Aland is a reticent and introverted child. He recently moved to this city after his parents divorced. At that time, I wasn't interested in Aland at all. He was always alone with his books."
Jonea became interested and enthusiastic about hearing Hunter's story.
"Aland is always the center of attention when all my friends choose to stay away from me. I'm so curious about him. It was as if Aland was completely unaffected by all of that. I got irritated when I saw his continuing to read a book. I disturbed him by snatching his favorite book. Well, I tore it on purpose."
Jonea was surprised. There was a hurt feeling inside her chest. But she tried to listen to the story only after the end.
"Aland was angry, of course. I even instigated my friends not to play with him anymore. But, you know what happened?"
Hunter smiled surreptitiously without Jonea noticing.
"After that incident, Aland came to me. I thought he wanted to get back at me. He gave me the same book and said, maybe I'd like to read it too. Whereas at that time, he only had one copy. And I tore it. He also said to me if I want something, I should just say it and ask for it."
Hunter turned to face Jonea.
"Aland returned as usual as if nothing had happened between us. Aland's face absolutely had no resentment, disappointment, or anger. He is just like that. He's always nice to everyone. So, I'm not surprised that many people like him, especially girls. Sometimes they misunderstood Aland's good intentions. Their kindness is always considered love. I think that's what happened to you, too, Jonea."
Jonea was surprised at Hunter's words. It seemed that Hunter still thought that Jonea's feelings for Aland were only admiration.
Jonea was offended. "You mean, if you want me, you just have to ask for it from Aland? Then he will give it, is that so? Do you really want me, Hunter?"
Hunter looks uneasy. But he was still able to endure it. The young man was so scared to validate his own feelings for Jonea.
On the other hand, Hunter has agreed with Aland to fight for Jonea with his own efforts. Hunter knew Aland was serious about it. Hunter turned back to the window.
Without Hunter noticing, Jonea was already standing behind him and clutching Hunter's shirt. Hunter closed his eyes and felt his heart pounding so violently at this moment.
"Jonea, I..." Hunter turned to look at Jonea.
The girl looked weak and pale. She was wearing a Hunter outfit that was slightly too big on her body. Jonea reached out and placed it on Hunter's lips.
"How about we make a deal?"